Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja sings on Air Malta flight

Internationally-acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja leaves a plane of awestruck passengers speechless after singing a spontaneous rendition of O Sole Mio, in a new promotional video of Malta's national airline, Air Malta.

Mr Calleja is spotted on the flight by a young passenger who plucks up the courage to start singing the classic Neapolitan song to the world-renowned opera singer.

The young man is soon joined by a chorus of other passengers, and Air Malta flight attendants, who gather around Mr Calleja's seat to sing to him.

The Maltese tenor then interjects with an edifying performance that leaves everyone lost for words.

Ending with the tagline "get carried away", the YouTube video clip forms part of a publicity campaign by Air Malta, the national airline of Mr Calleja's home country, Malta.

"I am very proud to be supporting my country's national airline at a challenging time for the industry. Air Malta is a symbol of Maltese hospitality, creativity and hard work," said Mr Calleja, who was in February named Air Malta's brand ambassador.

Air Malta's CEO Peter Davies thanked Mr Calleja for contributing his immense talent to the airline currently undergoing a successful period of business restructuring.

“Joseph Calleja’s international reputation, as a renowned performer with a Maltese identity, made him undoubtedly one of the best ambassadors the airline can have to promote both Malta and Air Malta. Air Malta is always proud to fly the flag of our beautiful and friendly islands. Teaming up with Joseph Calleja, who is such an important cultural ambassador for Malta, fills us with enthusiasm for the future," he added.

O Sole Mio, which translates to "my own sun", has particular relevance to the Mediterranean islands which enjoy summer temperatures above 30°C.

Mr Calleja recently received critical acclaim for his performance in James Gray's film The Immigrant where he impersonates Italian tenor Enrico Caruso.

On August 1, Mr Calleja held his annual gala concert in Malta which featured Zucchero, Riccardo Cocciante and Rebecca Ferguson. Two weeks ago, he also performed at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Joseph Calleja’s new album, 'Amore’, was internationally released on September 9.